Author Topic: Shot my .44 Mag again (Read 1285 times)

geezerbiker · « **on:** July 08, 2011, 04:41:24 AM »

And it seems that it reliably shoots to point of aim but getting the sights lined up is a bear. My old eyes can't seem to do iron sights like I used to, so I have to do something with these sights or the .44 is'n going with me hunting this year.

At first I tried painting the front sight red in the hopes it would be easier to see. It helped a tiny bit. On my .30-30, I scored a deal on a used Redfield peep and that seems to make that rifle easier to shoot accurately and I'm thinking a peep might be the solution for the .44 too.

Another thing I'm considering for this rifle is a tritium night-sight for the front blade. My favorite local gunsmith said he could put on on for me in the $70 range. This will make the front sight easier to see but if I still have trouble lining up the sights, I'll have to add a peep later. My concern is if I spend 70 bucks on a tritium front blade, I will have to do it again when I change over to a peep on the rear. The FAQ about peeps doesn't make it clear how much different of a front sight is needed...

I'm thinking about just scoping the damn thing but to me that doesn't make sense on a woods gun.

Tony

bikerbeans · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2011, 05:01:40 AM »

Tony,

I went through what you are going through. Ohio is shotgun only so I had a g-smith put fiber optic front & rear sights on a hasting rifled slug barrel for my beretta 303. I could shoot 3 to 4 inch groups @ 100 yards with sabots. That fall I shoot 3 deer including a nice 8 point. Fast forward 4 years and my eyes are getting weaker. I am drawn for a controlled hunt, get a 60 yard shot at a very nice 8 point. I am in the sun, deer is in the shadows. I can't see the deer when I sight my gun. Look up from the gun and I can see the deer fine. Get mad and watch the deer walk out of the woods because I ain't shootin' "blind". Sold the barrel and bought another hastings with a cantilever mount and installed a Leupold MZ/Shotgun scope. End of problem. FWIW, I still have a couple of open sight guns for the range but I wouldn't hunt with them. Gettin' old is a PIA, but it better than the alternative.

BB

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2011, 05:51:44 AM »

Quote from: geezerbiker on July 08, 2011, 04:41:24 AM

The FAQ about peeps doesn't make it clear how much different of a front sight is needed...

I'm thinking about just scoping the damn thing but to me that doesn't make sense on a woods gun.

That's what the sight height calculators are for, but the sight combination I used on the 45-70 in the FAQs works on my 44mag too because the barrels have almost identical dimensions. As for a scope in the woods, I've used low power scopes, usually a 2-7x, in the woods for over 50yrs, never had a problem with em and prefer them, the only time I use a peep is on my muzzleloaders, but only because glass sights aren't legal in BP season.

Tim

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:32:03 AM »

Sir, not sure which 44 you have but if its the marlin, winchester, or even the puma, i beleive, go to the XS Sight system. EXCELLENT rear aperture, with a white line front blade that REALLY stands out. I have the same problem you described, and that was the perfect fix. Good luck sir!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:38:43 AM »

Quote from: Spencer, Carey on July 08, 2011, 06:32:03 AM

Sir, not sure which 44 you have but if its the marlin, winchester, or even the puma, i beleive, go to the XS Sight system. EXCELLENT rear aperture, with a white line front blade that REALLY stands out. I have the same problem you described, and that was the perfect fix. Good luck sir!

It's an H&R since this is the H&R forum!

And XS does make sights for H&Rs.

Tim

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:52:38 AM »

Ooops!

Didnt pay that much attention. Multitasking!

Just clicked onto "unread posts since last visit". Regardless, XS are really great sights, and worth checking out! You know, i'll be honest. My first guns were H/R's and during that time, I always wanted something "more" in my hands. Now many years, and much experience later, I realize that they were all I really ever needed! They shot very well and taught me valuable lessons in marksmanship and making that first shot count! In the market for that little .45 Colt carbine as a matter of fact.

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:55:29 AM »

Hey, does anyone make a scout rail for the H/R's now? May be a way to go.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2011, 07:08:50 AM »

Not that I'm aware of, but a Weaver 92a base will bolt right on to H&R barrels with two-hole barrel sights, see the FAQs scout mount links.

Tim

reclusej · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2011, 09:30:18 AM »

geezerbiker, my old eyes have problems seeing sights close up
also. Try using 1 to 1 1/2 power reading glasses. $3.00 and your
good to go. Works for me. And you can still see a far off target.
reclusej

geezerbiker · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2011, 09:51:18 AM »

I didn't expect so many replies. Anyway the XS Sight system is looking very good. One thing for sure if I go this rout, I won't be able to convince my wife I need a scope later.

I'm going to look around to see if I can find a set of XS sites installed on a rifle so I can look at them.

The truth is I haven't seen an illuminated scope in the 2x power range anyway. All else fails the 2-7x Redfield comes the closest to what I want but isn't illuminated. It gets pretty dark in the Tillamook forest even in midday...

Tony

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2011, 09:58:02 AM »

The Mueller Multi-shot 2-7x32 has an illuminated dot, it's also works with illumination off, has cross hairs with a black dot then, nice scope for the money, had mine on my 44mag for a while.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,124128.msg1098433652.html#msg1098433652

geezerbiker · « **Reply #11 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:12:34 AM »

Thanx, so far this is the only scope I've seen that's close to what I want. Now I need to think about it a lot.

I've put in my papers for an Oregon disabled hunting license and now to see if I'm approved. This could seriously improve my odds of getting a deer and elk this year...

Tony

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:23:12 AM »

I just noticed Doug's image pic is broken, here's Mueller's website with reticle detail. I've got a bunch of Mueller scopes, had one minor problem with one of them, they replaced it within a week.

http://muelleroptics.com/mu2732igr

http://www.opticsplanet.net/mueller-optical-2-7x32mm-multishot-waterproof-riflescope.html

My huntin buddy put in for a disabled license in Washington and was denied, he's too healthy even with his heart problems, good luck.

Tim

http://muelleroptics.com/mu2732igr

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #13 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:54:47 AM »

Quicktdo, that scout looks really good!

geezerbiker · « **Reply #14 on:** July 08, 2011, 11:15:01 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 08, 2011, 10:23:12 AM

My huntin buddy put in for a disabled license in Washington and was denied, he's too healthy even with his heart problems, good luck.

Tim

I did a search on Mueller and found the scope. I have to admit it's at the top of my list if I go with a scope.

I have pins in my hip, messed up knees and I walk with a cane (or walking stick when hunting.) My doc thinks it's likely I'll get the disabled hunting license. I used to be a bit concerned that I could get lost when hunting now I don't get that far from the truck...

I hunt with a guy that is 100% military disabled and he's put in for a disabled hunting license too. We're planning to hunt together again this year. BTW, he's the guy that pointed out the .44 for sale at a gun shop we were visiting. If my wife knew, she'd dislike him even more...

Tony

gunther66 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 08, 2011, 01:01:56 PM »

Tony
It may not make sense but go ahead and put a Leupold 1x4 on it.You won't look back.Yeah,it sticks up over the barrel and adds weight and bulk,but with tired eyes it is an excellent solution. Go for it! G66

BBF · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2011, 06:58:00 AM »

Quote from: geezerbiker on July 08, 2011, 04:41:24 AM

...............................
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I'm thinking about just scoping the damn thing but to me that doesn't make sense on a woods gun.

Tony

Tony:
It makes very much sense to me.

As you wrote, your eyes aren't getting any better. Consider a very low power scope right down to 1X or 1.5. I got one of those old Weaver steel tubes in 1X. I doubt even with younger eyes I could line up faster with open sights then with that scope which still let me see that branch that I would not have seen with the iron sights.
If you really really don't want a scope, how about a holo and I don't mean one of those cheap Red Dots.

geezerbiker · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2011, 08:27:19 AM »

I'm thinking hard about going with a Mueller 2 to 7x scope. Now I need to convince my old lady that I need to spend another 200 bucks on this rifle that she's still not thrilled I bought in the first place...

Tony

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2011, 09:12:43 AM »

Sir, just explain that it is the ethical thing to do. She would'nt want a injured animal suffering out there in the forest and all that!

phatgemi · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2011, 01:02:40 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 08, 2011, 07:08:50 AM

Not that I'm aware of, but a Weaver 92a base will bolt right on to H&R barrels with two-hole barrel sights, see the FAQs scout mount links.

Tim

How is the eye relief with that set up?

geezerbiker · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2011, 01:06:07 PM »

I've spent a lot on guns recently and I can't hid or justify a scope purchase this month but I should be able to before hunting season. I've bought 3 rifles and a contender barrel all without her knowing about it.

As I've mentioned in other discussions, my old lady has a hang up about me spending money on guns. I can blow money on just about anything else and she doesn't care but I have to hide my most of my gun buys to keep the peace...

Tony

Spencer, Carey · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:16:22 PM »

Dont worry man, we won't tell a soul!

geezerbiker · « **Reply #22 on:** July 10, 2011, 09:39:38 PM »

I bought a DNZ Products one piece scope mount. Midway had one on special for $42 and the reviews seemed good. They only had one at that price and I figured a rail and rings would come close to that anyway. It was also a good excuse to buy another 100 pieces of .44 mag Starline brass.

I could have easily spent 3x as much but I kept the order to the bare essentials. I'll either by a scope locally or when my old lady isn't watching the business finances as closely... I guess I'd better take her out for a fancy dinner this week.

Tony

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2011, 08:16:02 AM »

Tony, The flip side is our house.......my wife likes guns and shooting (she is a past Wis. Muzzleloading Assoc. Ladies champ).........so, she is not the epitome of restraint for me. Household finances have not suffered, but we try to buy 'right' too. Unlike horses (anything that takes that much work and 'stuff' oughtta make a guy money), the guns have been great recreation and have kind of 'paid their way' through the years.
She still wont tell me for sure how much her custom built Paul Swanson built match rifle cost, though.

geezerbiker · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2011, 02:03:12 PM »

My wife and I are both on our second marriage and it's a toss up which of us has the worst ex... Anyways her was a complete deadbeat and spent what little he earned on guns. I make more a year than this a-hole has made in his life time.

Anyway she admits she is unreasonable about gun stuff. For example, I dropped $00 bucks on a new stereo for her car for mothers day. No problem, I'm in the bike biz and it's humming right now. I also spend at least a hundred a month taking her out for dinner. It's expensive but it's something she likes and I want her to be happy.

She used to like shooting and but she hasn't expressed a desire to go with me. I'm going to join a gun club so we don't have to go out in the woods to shoot like I do with my redneck buddies.

Anyway I have to be careful how much spend at once and I'm better off not talking about it... From time to time I make some money off the books and that's pure gun money...

Tony

BBF · « **Reply #25 on:** July 12, 2011, 05:27:25 AM »

Quote from: geezerbiker on July 11, 2011, 02:03:12 PM

From time to time I make some money off the books and that's pure gun money...

Tony

IRS proof I hope. Only the Govt. is authorized to steal and blackmail.